Are you submitting a proposal for Autscape 2011?

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Autscape 2011's call for proposals has been published:
http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt148736.html

This year's theme is 'Owning Autism'.

Are you submitting a proposal this year?
If so -
How does your proposal relate to the 'Owning Autism' theme?
(I think it doesn't actually have to relate to it. I'm not sure).

The theme for this year's Autscape is Owning Autism.

Autism Spectrum Conditions (including Aspergers Syndrome) can be officially diagnosed by clinicians. They are examined, thought about, and commented on by academic researchers, journalists and parents. These people contribute to defining what autism means in society. However, autism is experienced from the inside by autistic people.

We want to examine who currently "owns" autism and how ownership is expressed. We invite consideration of the ways autistic people own our condition.

Presentations which seek to develop this theme will be given priority however any suitable topics will be given consideration.

We wish to explore a broad range of perspectives on being autistic in many different ways. This can be through formal presentations or workshops, and may be theoretical or practical. Many different types of input are welcome: traditional lectures, creative expression, physical activity, interactive workshops and more.

What is Autscape?

Autscape is a conference run by and for autistic people. Non-autistic people are also welcome, but the environment and content of the event are centred around autistic people's needs, interests and sensitivities. Lectures are about autism. Workshops and leisure activities do not need to be specifically about autism, but do need to be suitable for autistic people.

What we are looking for

We are now accepting proposals for lectures and workshops to be presented
at Autscape 2011.

Audience

Although we welcome non-autistic professionals and family members, this event is primarily for autistic people, not about us! Workshops geared towards parents and professionals may be accepted, but must be positive in their support for autistic people and our right to be different.

Examples

For some examples of what has been presented at Autscape in the past, see last year's presentations at:
http://www.autscape.org/archive/2010/

We are also likely to enjoy similar workshops to those that have been presented at Autreat, in the USA. See:
http://www.ani.ac/

Non-verbal workshops

Although many of the autistic people who are attracted to an event such as Autscape are highly verbal, others may have difficulty with an event centred around language. We want to welcome and fully include all kinds of autistic people, including less 'wordy' ones. Therefore we are also seeking workshops which are not primarily focused on the spoken word. (Presenters may still use speech; it is just not the main content of this type of workshop). Examples: dance, relaxation, music, art, construction of some kind. These workshops are different from casual leisure sessions in that they have more structure, preparation (from the presenter), relevance to autism and the event's theme, and duration.

A note of caution

Cures: Workshops about curing or preventing autism are likely not to go over well at all and are best avoided altogether, unless it is from an advocacy standpoint. Personal Experience: We all have personal experience of autism. If your presentation is primarily based on your personal experience, think carefully how it can help attendees to find new understanding of their own situation. Please let us know what you're hoping those present will gain from your presentation.

Suitability: Every workshop, no matter who it is targeted towards, should be suitable for autistic people to attend without feeling objectified or put down.

What do we expect from you?

* Reliability: You need to be able to assure us that except for unforeseen circumstances you will be there to present as agreed.

* Presentation materials: Please send copies of any handouts and computer presentations (e.g. powerpoint) by the date requested (to be confirmed, approx 2 weeks before Autscape). These will be made available for download and printing by Autscape participants. In addition we can printed a limited number of pages for handouts.

* Your details and presentation summary: We would like to include your presentation summary, biography and any electronic handouts you provided in our website's archive area.

* Permission to record: Please allow us to video or otherwise record your presentation. These records may be made available to others by Autscape. Some participants may also audio record presentations for their own use. If you submit a proposal we will assume you are happy with these expectations. If you have any questions or objections, please let us know so we can discuss it.

* Presenters are encouraged to run a discussion group on their topic later in the day, for those who would like to explore the issue further. If you may have problems with this we will try and find a volunteer to help.

What can you expect from us?

* For Presentations: You will receive a day's attendance at Autscape free of charge. Presenters will be accommodated on-site for the day of their presentation including the night before or after. Only one such place can be offered for each presentation, regardless of the number of presenters. Unfortunately, due to the funding situation we cannot offer free attendance at all of Autscape this year. Whenever you are not presenting you can enjoy the event, including other workshops and the setting, just as any other participant.

(Please note, this does not apply to informal activities such as leisure sessions however for these we will pay reasonable expenses for materials required)

* Involvement: One thing you can expect by joining us is the opportunity to shape an emerging self-advocacy event and autistic community. There will be opportunities at the event to get involved in the future of Autscape.

* Audience: A rare opportunity to be heard by a significant number of autistic people. A chance to have some influence and get some feedback from the people who matter most in the field of autism.

* Respect and consideration. We will let you know as soon as possible if your proposal has been accepted and will try our best to accommodate you at a time that suits you.

How to submit your proposal

To submit your proposal, please use one of the following:

* online form: http://www.autscape.org/proposals/proposalform
* e-mail: programme@autscape.org
* or post to: Autscape, 24 Anson Road, Upper Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, CB23 6DQ, United Kingdom.

Please include the following information:

ABOUT YOU Name Country At least one way to contact you of: - Email address (preferred) - Phone number - Postal address Experience (a summary of your relevant experience, including presentations/education/advocacy, and the nature of your interest in autism and/or in general disability issues)

INFORMATION FOR THE PROGRAMME
Your name or alias (for public use)
Biography (50-100 words)
Presentation title (1-12 words)
Summary (50-150 words)

ABOUT YOUR PRESENTATION
Type of session (choose one):
- Lecture (audience mostly listens)
- Workshop (audience participates verbally)
- Hands-On (audience participates physically)
- Other (please describe)

How does your presentation relate to this year's theme "Owning Autism"?

Please describe your presentation or activity for the decision makers.

OTHER COMMENTS NOT ADDRESSED ABOVE

All proposals must be received by 18th February.

What happens next

The committee will decide which presentations to accept for autscape and will inform everybody who has made a proposal of their decision by 23 March